Update: A big thanks to Kevin who spotted a tweet from Asus North America which offers some hope for anyone in the US who wants the ZE552KL model. So right now we’ve heard conflicting information, which means we need to verify which info is correct. Logic says that the base model Zenfone 3 ZE552KL would be coming to the US since it’s in Canada. This makes us wonder too, about the Zenfone 3 Deluxe Special Edition and Canada. Stay tuned, we are going to get a “final answer” on these questions.
[source: Asus Twitter North America]
We have spotted some confusion out there on which Zenfone 3 is available. Call this a “When, Where and How Much” frequently asked questions page. After the dust has settled from the recent launch event in New York, we have some answers for you.
Please don’t be disappointed with the reality. Things can change and you can bet we are trying to find solutions. As in, if you don’t see the model for your country, we are going to list alternative solutions if you want to buy one. It might be a bit tricky in terms of network compatibility and warranty issues, but it can be done and we will guide you through that a bit later, in another post.
For now, let’s talk about the US market. What Zenfone 3 models will you be able to buy?
- Zenfone 3 Deluxe Special Edition (ZS570KL) – USD 799
- Zenfone 3 Deluxe (ZS570KL) – USD 499
- Zenfone 3 Deluxe (ZS550KL) – USD 399
- Zenfone 3 Laser (ZC551KL) – USD 199
- Zenfone 3 Max (ZC520TL) – USD
The models listed above for the US market will be widely available for the most part, with one main exception. That most interesting Zenfone 3 Deluxe Special Edition is only going to be available through the Asus US online store.
You might be asking where is the Zenfone 3 (ZE552KL) or Zenfone 3 (ZE520KL) or Zenfone 3 Ultra (ZU680KL). The phones are not part of the US line-up which may be bad news for you. Let us remind you that we will have options, so don’t be discouraged just yet. The Canadian market does get the ZE552KL so that makes you think there should be a way to get one if you live in the US. Yes, you could drive across the border, but we are efforting to find solutions that will work for anyone from the US.
On to Canada. Here are the Zenfone 3 models that you will be able to buy:
- Zenfone 3 Deluxe (ZS570KL) – CAD 699
- Zenfone 3 (ZE552KL) – CAD 429
- Zenfone 3 Laser (ZC551KL) – CAD 279
- Zenfone 3 Max (ZC520TL) – CAD 199
Where can you buy these phones? Most Canadian retailers that you think of when you think of computers and smartphones will have these available to buy. Initially you will be able to buy the ZE552KL, will all other models available to pre order. Shipping dates vary, but it’s not far off from the time this will be in your hands.
Just in case you were wondering, Canada does not get a release of the Zenfone 3 Deluxe Special Edition (ZS570KL). With the Asus US online store the only place to buy, you might ask if they ship to Canada. They do not. So we are efforting to find out what solution there might be. Certainly it would be nice to have the North American version with the ideal network compatibility and warranty rather than a model from overseas. Let’s see what happens and we will keep you posted.
So there you have the US and Canada Zenfone 3 launch models.
I wouldn’t get my hopes up for a base US Zenfone 3. The specs of the US Deluxe ZS550KL are nearly identical to the ZS550KL base/non Deluxe model in Canada. Asus marketing must believe that Deluxe sells better in the US.
Sorry, Canadian base is ZE550KL
Hope there will be a way to get my hand on the Deluxe SE in Canada! Guess Ill have to settle for the 5,7″ Deluxe otherwise.
Best Buy’s website shows the 5.7″ Deluxe version and the 5.2″ Max version, still out of stock, but at least they’re planning to sell these two pretty soon.
So if I understand well, the ZE520KL will never be listed on FCC.
I bought it in my country in France, but cannot use it in Colombia (where I actually live) because they require the FCC ID.
I spent 300USD for absolutely nothing.